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Things to do in New Zealand

6 destinations in New Zealand, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in New Zealand

Best time to visit New Zealand

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Auckland
The cheapest months to fly to Auckland are typically April-June and September-October, when fares from US hubs can run 25-35% lower than the peak December-January summer season. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) shaves an additional 10-15% off compared to Friday or Sunday bookings.
Christchurch
Shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer round-trip fares from US hubs roughly 20-30% cheaper than the December-January peak; flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) on Air New Zealand or Qantas tends to shave another 10% off compared to weekend departures.
Dunedin
Shoulder season flights in April-May and September-October are typically 20-35% cheaper than the December-January peak summer period; flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) shaves an additional 10-15% off fares from major hubs.
Queenstown
Shoulder seasons, April to early June (autumn) and September to October (spring), offer flights that are roughly 25-40% cheaper than the July ski-season and December-January summer peaks. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) on Air New Zealand or Jetstar domestic legs also consistently undercuts weekend pricing.
Rotorua
The cheapest months to fly to Rotorua are May through September (New Zealand's winter/shoulder season), with fares and accommodation running roughly 25-35% lower than the December-February summer peak. Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday, and booking 6-8 weeks ahead yields the best domestic connection prices from Auckland.
Wellington
Flying to Wellington is cheapest in the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October, where fares from Australian cities can be 30-40% lower than December-January peak summer, and transatlantic connections through Auckland also dip noticeably. Mid-week departures (Tuesday-Wednesday) consistently undercut weekend prices by 10-20%.

Is New Zealand expensive?

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Auckland
About $56 a day on a shoestring, about $262 comfortably.
Christchurch
About $49 a day on a shoestring, about $265 comfortably.
Dunedin
About $48 a day on a shoestring, about $260 comfortably.
Queenstown
About $64 a day on a shoestring, about $330 comfortably.
Rotorua
About $51 a day on a shoestring, about $285 comfortably.
Wellington
About $55 a day on a shoestring, about $262 comfortably.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Free things to do in New Zealand

  • Auckland: Cornwall Park & One Tree Hill Wander ancient volcanic slopes dotted with sheep and enjoy sweeping city views at no cost.
  • Christchurch: Street Art & Re:START Laneway Walks The post-quake rebuild spawned some of the Southern Hemisphere's best murals, grab a free map from the i-SITE.
  • Dunedin: St Clair Beach Walk Dramatic surf beach with seaside esplanade, rock pools, and ocean swimming pool at the end
  • Queenstown: Queenstown Gardens Stroll Beautifully landscaped lakeside park with mountain backdrops, a disc golf course, and lawn bowling, locals' favorite chill spot.
  • Rotorua: Kuirau Park Free public geothermal park with boiling mud pools and hot foot baths right in the city center
  • Wellington: Cuba Street Wander Wellington's bohemian heart is packed with street art, buskers, quirky shops, and the famous bucket fountain.

Cheap eats in New Zealand

  • Otara Market Food Stalls in Auckland, Hangi pork or umu-cooked taro with coconut cream Plates $4-8
  • Riverside Market Food Hall in Christchurch, Ramen or dumplings from the Asian vendors Plates $9-14
  • Mazagran Espresso Bar in Dunedin, Hearty student-favorite breakfast baps and strong flat whites Plates $6-11
  • Fergburger in Queenstown, The classic 'Fergburger' beef burger Plates $12-17
  • Abracadabra Cafe Bar in Rotorua, Loaded cabinet sandwiches and all-day breakfast Plates $8-14
  • Prefab in Wellington, Brunch eggs on toast with flat white Plates $10-16

More in Oceania

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All destinations in Oceania